Solvolytic Degradation of Polymeric Propellant Binders

Abstract

The effect of various catalysts on the rate of solvolysis of the polyester and polyurethane binders in butylamine was studied. Polymer binders in propellants usually constitute from 16 to 20% of the total weight of the propellant. The remaining 84-80% is generally made up of oxidizer, usually (in Polaris motors) ammonium perchlorate (AP) 60-82%, aluminum metal, 2-18%, and stabilizers, 0-1%. The binders of chief concern at present (in Polaris motors) appear to be one of two types: (1) polyurethanes or (2) cured polybutadiene prepolymers. The problem of disposing of obsolete propellants is a formidable one because of the legal limitations on burning and dumping. The product gases from burning would cause serious pollution of the atmosphere and other possible means of disposal also present problems.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1975
Accession Number
ADA017235

Entities

People

  • A. Zampini
  • G. B. Butler
  • M. S. Kaufman
  • R. L. Veazey
  • S. B. Page

Organizations

  • University of Florida

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Amines
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Chlorides
  • Hydroxides
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Materials Processing
  • Materials Science
  • Organic Chemistry

Readers

  • Coastal and Marine Engineering/Sediment Transport/Hydraulic Engineering
  • Rocket Propulsion.
  • Systems Analysis and Design